Curriculum
We aim to provide a broad and balanced curriculum which fulfills the requirements of the National Curriculum, and enable all learners to realise their full potential.
Key Stage 3
Year 7
On admission to St. Joseph’s, students are placed into mixed ability form groups, using information from our associated primary schools and their suggestions and analysis of your child’s academic abilities.
Most of our teaching groups in Key Stage 3 are mixed ability, though some subjects, notably Mathematics, English and Modern Languages are taught in classes which are set according to the academic ability and performance of our students. For other elements of the curriculum, however, setting is not considered to be necessary, and the school believes that a blend of the two approaches is the most effective way of providing a high quality academic and social education.
During the first year at St. Joseph’s all students study:
Religious Education
English
Mathematics
Science
History
Geography
Modern Foreign Language (French or Spanish)
Physical Education
Design Technology
Creative Curriculum integrating Drama, Art, Music and Information Communications Technology to break down subject barriers to enhance learning effectively.
Year 8
During the second year at St. Joseph’s all students study:
Religious Education
English
Mathematics
Science
History
Geography
Modern Foreign Language (French or Spanish)
Physical Education
Design Technology
Drama
Art
Music
Information and Communications Technology
Design and Technology
Year 9
During the third year at St. Joseph’s all students study:
Religious Education
English
Mathematics
Science
History
Geography
Modern Foreign Language (French or Spanish)
Physical Education
Design Technology
Drama
Art
Music
Information and Communications Technology
Citizenship
During Year 9, students choose three subjects that they wish to study at Level 2 (GCSE). Compulsory subjects include English, Maths, Dual Award Science, Religious Studies and core Physical Education.
Key Stage 4
Year 10 and Year 11
In Key Stage 4 our pupils will follow courses in GCSE. These two-year courses comprise of Compulsory Core subjects and Option Choice subjects.
Obviously GCSE provision at any given time depends on different factors, including government requirements, which are open to modification from time to time.
Our current arrangements are that all pupils will study a common core of:
Religious Education
Mathematics
English
Science
Physical Education (compulsory module)
In addition to the core subjects, pupils can choose to study:
Separate Sciences (Biology, Chemistry and Physics individually)
History
Geography
Art
Music
Drama
Physical Education (GCSE Module)
Information and Communication Technology
Dance
French
Spanish
Resistant Materials
Electronics
Product Design
Textiles
Food Technology
BTEC Diploma
Currently, students may take 3 options only. BTEC counts as two options.
Instead of a choice from these options, pupils can choose to follow a BTEC diploma in Sport which counts as two options but can be worth the equivalent of 4 GCSE passes.
We also offer a vocational pathway the enables learners to undertake courses in other institutions and training agencies. This includes an extensive range of courses offering NVQ qualifications and Young Apprenticeships.
The vast majority of our students successfully complete their GCSE course and, , results have been outstanding over many years, having our best results this year. Many of our students go onto further education, studying A-Levels and Level 3 BTECs, many of whom then go to study at University and gain high quality degrees. Some of our students decide to enter the world of employment at 16 but whatever route they choose, they have the support and encouragement from school to help them succeed.